How often does a car need major maintenance?
2 Answers
Major car maintenance is typically performed every three years or 60,000 kilometers. The main contents of major car maintenance are as follows: 1. Oil change: Changing the oil is a mandatory item for major maintenance. Engine oil lubricates and reduces friction, aids in cooling, seals against leaks, prevents rust and corrosion, and provides shock absorption. 2. Replace the oil filter: The oil filter is replaced at the same time as the oil. The oil filter removes debris, gum, and moisture from the oil, delivering clean oil to the lubrication points. 3. Replace the air filter: The air filter blocks dust and particles that the engine inhales during the intake process. If the filter is not cleaned for a long time, dust can enter the engine, causing abnormal wear on the cylinder walls. 4. Replace the cabin air filter: If the cabin air filter is not cleaned or replaced for a long time, the car's air conditioning system can become contaminated, reducing the performance of the cooling system and affecting the health and safety of passengers.
I've been driving for over a decade and feel that the interval for major maintenance varies from person to person, but generally speaking, doing it every two years or every 30,000 kilometers is the most reliable. It depends on your vehicle's usage, such as frequent long-distance driving or city commuting; if the environment has a lot of sand and dust, or in high-temperature and humid areas, maintenance should be more frequent, perhaps every 25,000 kilometers. Major maintenance includes replacing the oil filter, air filter, checking brake pads and suspension systems, among other key components. If not done in time, small issues can accumulate and lead to major problems, like the last time I delayed maintenance, carbon buildup on the spark plugs caused the engine to make strange noises, costing me over a thousand to fix. Minor maintenance is simpler, just changing the oil every 5,000 kilometers, but major maintenance ensures the overall safe operation of the vehicle and can also save fuel and money. I recommend checking the user manual or consulting a professional technician, and don't wait for a breakdown to take action.
